St. Patrick's Day Green on a Budget

It's that time a year again, that day when no matter what one's heritage, everyone feels a wee bit Irish. St. Patrick's Day is upon us once again and it is time to decide what green item to wear. On this day, as with all holidays, stores want us to buy their shirts, ties, pins, hats, etc. in honor of the day for usually exorbitant prices Tradition has it that if you're not wearing green , and someone discovers your indiscretion, you will most likely get pinched. You don't want to get pinched, but you don't want your pocket to get "pinched" either, by feeling the pressure to purchase expensive last minute novelty items. While there are places available (such as dollar stores) where these items can be purchased relatively cheaply, most place charge more than should be necessary for the types of items that can be acquired in more creative and less expensive ways.

One option to keep your holiday green and also remain within a budget during these tough economic times is to buy a cheap green t-shirt and wear it either by itself, under another shirt with part of it showing, or even to embellish it in some fashion. These shirts can be purchased cheaply at stores like Walgreens. Also check around at local thrift stores, church bazaars, flea markets and garage sales for low priced t-shirts. Another option is to purchase plain white t-shirts and embellish them with green things from craft stores and discount stores. Look at all the same places previously mentioned for white t-shirts as for green.

Another option if you're handy with the needle or you know someone who is, is to find a simple pattern and some inexpensive fabric at a fabric store and make your own top, either a blouse for women or a t-shirt. You can also make a scarf, sash, tie, (etc.,) with the purchased material if you're not a strong sewer or you are short on time. Perhaps your work won't allow you to dress casually in a t-shirt, but will allow a scarf.

One last budget-friendly idea, and one that will last throughout the years, is to choose a special item to use every year for St. Patrick's Day as a "tradition", or, in keeping with the Irish, your "lucky" item. It won't cost you a thing after the initial purchase (unless you are hard on it and have to occasionally repair it), and will last as long as you take good care of it, and can add to the fun this already exciting and eventful holiday! It doesn't have to cost a fortunate to have the luck of the Irish!